Caveat Emptor

[Hiburnicus]

Greetings,

Just before Christmas, I purchased what appeared to me to be a great used traditional kilt in Mackenzie tartan from a seller in the UK, on that certain auction website.

It was listed as used, at an attractive price, and the seller pictured a small-ish (3/4in) hole along the edge of one of the pleats, with no other damage listed. I had communicated well with the seller, and was pleased with the deal...It just arrived a few minutes ago, and I'm pretty sad now.

Here are some pictures:

mackenzie 5.jpgmackenzie 3.jpgmackenzie 1.jpgMackenzie 6.jpg

The third picture shows the smallish hole the seller told me about. Imagine my suprise when I opened the package and laid this kilt out for a first look, and found the gaping wound in #4 on the inner apron.
There are also a dozen or more small 1/8"> moth holes in other spots as well.

I just sent a message to the seller complaining about the condition of this kilt, Hopefully I can get a bit of money back, since it was listed as no returns, and I had to bargain a bit to get the seller to ship it to the United States in the first place.


Please, give me some opinions...Is this kilt too far gone? its a terrible shame, because it is a wonderful garment otherwise...sigh.
sometimes you get what you pay for.

[plaid preacher]

Hi Hiburnicus. I cannot offer an opinion on whether or not the kilt is "too far gone"; but I did see that particular auction and the damage in your picture is not how it was represented when it was sold. Good luck.

[Nathan]

Well, if it's ebay, I'd give him a negative rating. If you can't get your money back from him you can file a Paypal grievance.

If the hole is on the inner apron, I'd suggest having it mended via a large wool patch so it doesn't expand. The other moth holes are unfortunate but would probably go unnoticed for the most part. I'd suggest mending them also so they don't expand. It would be good for day events and hikes. It depends how good a job they did on the mend as to whether you'd want to use it for formal occasions. That said, there's always the "family heirloom" excuse for wearing a ratty kilt. ;)

[bluebonnet]

You could take it to a textile conservationist and see if they can fix the more aggressive moth damage. I'd also suggest you get the garment cleaned and pest controlled. I'd hate to see your closet infested with left overs from what's hiding in this garment.

[Highlander31]

Put the kilt in a plastic bag then put it in your freezer. Set the temp to zero degrees Fahrenheit and leave it in the freezer for a minimum of three days. This will kill the larva and any eggs that might be in the wool.

This same advise was given to me by our neighbor, when we had some moths sneak in the house, in the case of a dulcimer my wife had bought at auction. She is the co-owner of "The Wool Factory", and has been involved with wool and yarn production for decades.

I left the kilts in for a week (because sometimes it is better to overkill than go just enough. )

Hopefully you'll be able to settle with the seller to your satisfaction.

[Grizzly]

I would say that you have every right to raise a dispute with the auction site. It has clearly been misrepresented.

Alternatively you could contact one of the excellent kiltmakers on here to see if there is anything that can be done to repair the damage.

[sydnie7]

An addendum to the freezer advice -- recently read this on Ravelry, the knit/crochet/spin forum.

Three-three-three rule: 3 days in freezer in a loosely fitting but well-sealed plastic bag to kill any living grubs. 3 days still in the bag in a warmer environment, which allows any still-viable eggs to hatch. Then three days back in the freezer to kill off the last of the evil spawn.

Seems to be rule-of-thumb in the raw fiber community. Best of luck with your purchase, whichever road you take.

[Cardinal]

Were this an heirloom kilt, I would follow the freezing instructions others have given, and then send it off to Without a Trace in Chicage for a repair estimate. They do brilliant patching and re-weaving, but do not give estimates based on photos. For reasons you (especially!) can readily understand.

If the kile was very inexpensive, and you can spare $150 for a nearly invisible patch job, they could still be the way to go if the seller will notm give you satisfaction.

Good luck!

Trog

[Tobus]

You know why that huge hole is where it is, right?

Moth damage on the inner apron is quite common, from wearing it 'regimental style' and not cleaning it regularly. Moths are attracted to oils, dead skin cells, and God-knows-what-else that gets into the wool from contact in "that area". I have an ex-military kilt (Seaforth MacKenzie) with damage in exactly the same spot.

Fortunately, it's hidden by the outer apron. It can be repaired however you wish and should not affect the performance or looks of the kilt. Shame on the seller for not disclosing it, but you haven't really lost anything here. But it should be a warning to all kilt-wearers about keeping your kilts clean and protected from moths. If you do wear it regimental-style, this is the primary area you need to pay attention to for moth damage.

[Cardinal]

Tobus,

Given that we both live in intemperately hot places, and that regular cleaning of woolens is bad for them, you have just made a powerful argument against going "regimental."

I didn't want to know that, but I am glad that I do.

Thanks,
Trog

You know why that huge hole is where it is, right?

Moth damage on the inner apron is quite common, from wearing it 'regimental style' and not cleaning it regularly. Moths are attracted to oils, dead skin cells, and God-knows-what-else that gets into the wool from contact in "that area". I have an ex-military kilt (Seaforth MacKenzie) with damage in exactly the same spot.

Fortunately, it's hidden by the outer apron. It can be repaired however you wish and should not affect the performance or looks of the kilt. Shame on the seller for not disclosing it, but you haven't really lost anything here. But it should be a warning to all kilt-wearers about keeping your kilts clean and protected from moths. If you do wear it regimental-style, this is the primary area you need to pay attention to for moth damage.